IndiGo Delhi-Chennai flight 6E 6115 diverted to Hyderabad after power bank fire
Synopsis
A power bank fire in the overhead luggage compartment forced IndiGo flight 6E 6115 to divert from its Delhi-Chennai route to Hyderabad on 11 October. Cabin crew contained the blaze with fire extinguishers before pilots made the emergency diversion — a sharp reminder that lithium-battery incidents on aircraft remain an unresolved safety challenge despite repeated DGCA advisories.
Key Takeaways
IndiGo flight 6E 6115 (Delhi–Chennai) was diverted to Hyderabad on 11 October 2026 after a power bank fire in the overhead luggage compartment.
All passengers and crew landed safely at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad ; no injuries were reported.
The Airbus A321-251N had departed Delhi at 1:30 pm IST , 20 minutes late, and was scheduled to land in Chennai at 4:00 pm IST .
Cabin crew used fire extinguishers to contain the blaze before the pilots initiated the diversion under standard safety protocols.
IndiGo arranged an alternate aircraft to continue the journey to Chennai and offered passengers refreshments and updates.
The DGCA is expected to review the incident; exact onboard timing and location of ignition are yet to be officially confirmed.
IndiGo flight 6E 6115, operating from Delhi to Chennai, was diverted to Hyderabad on 11 October 2026 after smoke from a passenger's power bank triggered a fire in the overhead luggage compartment mid-flight. All passengers and crew members landed safely at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, with no injuries reported.
What Happened Onboard
The incident unfolded when a malfunctioning power bank in the overhead luggage compartment caught fire, reportedly causing panic among passengers. Cabin crew responded swiftly, deploying fire extinguishers to bring the blaze under control. A video circulating on social media, recorded by a passenger, shows fellow travellers attempting to douse the fire by pressing bags against the flames before crew intervened.
The Airbus A321-251N aircraft had departed Delhi at 1:30 pm IST — 20 minutes behind its scheduled departure of 1:10 pm — and was due to land in Chennai at 4:00 pm IST. Following the crew's containment of the fire, the pilots diverted the aircraft to Hyderabad in line with established safety protocols.
Airline's Response
In an official statement, IndiGo confirmed that smoke had been detected from a customer's personal electronic device. 'The cabin crew responded promptly and the situation was brought under control. In line with established protocols, the pilots diverted the flight and landed safely at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad,' the airline said.
An airline spokesperson added that an alternate aircraft was arranged to continue the journey to Chennai. 'We regret the inconvenience caused to our customers due to this unforeseen situation and are making all efforts to minimise it, including offering refreshments and sharing timely updates,' IndiGo said. 'At IndiGo, the safety of our customers and crew remains our top priority,' the spokesperson added.
Regulatory and Safety Context
Lithium-ion power bank fires on aircraft are a growing safety concern globally. Aviation regulators, including India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), have issued repeated advisories warning passengers against carrying damaged or substandard power banks aboard flights. Power banks are prohibited in checked baggage and must be carried only in cabin luggage, where crew can respond quickly to thermal events. This incident underscores the ongoing enforcement challenge airlines face despite such rules.
Notably, the rapid crew response — using fire extinguishers and adhering to diversion protocols — is consistent with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines for in-flight lithium battery fires, which mandate immediate action to prevent escalation.
What Happens Next
The exact time and location of the fire's ignition onboard remain to be officially confirmed, according to reports. It is expected that the DGCA will review the incident, as is standard procedure for any in-flight fire event. The affected passengers were being assisted at Hyderabad airport, with onward travel to Chennai arranged on an alternate aircraft.
Point of View
But enforcement at the point of boarding remains inconsistent. The crew's textbook response averted what could have been catastrophic, but the more pressing question is why passengers continue to board with damaged or non-compliant devices. Until screening improves and penalties for non-compliance carry real deterrence, the next diversion is a matter of when, not if.
NationPress
11 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was IndiGo flight 6E 6115 diverted to Hyderabad?
IndiGo flight 6E 6115 was diverted to Hyderabad on 11 October after a passenger's power bank caught fire in the overhead luggage compartment mid-flight. Cabin crew extinguished the blaze and pilots diverted the aircraft as per established safety protocols.
Were passengers and crew safe after the incident?
Yes, all passengers and crew members were safe. The aircraft landed without incident at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, and no injuries were reported.
What did IndiGo do for affected passengers?
IndiGo arranged an alternate aircraft to continue the journey to Chennai. The airline also offered refreshments, shared timely updates, and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused.
Is carrying a power bank on a flight allowed in India?
Power banks are permitted only in cabin baggage on Indian flights, not in checked luggage, as per DGCA guidelines. Damaged, substandard, or high-capacity power banks pose a thermal runaway risk and are the subject of repeated aviation safety advisories.
Will regulators investigate the IndiGo power bank fire?
The DGCA is expected to review the incident, as is standard procedure for any in-flight fire event. The exact time and location of ignition onboard are yet to be officially confirmed, according to reports.
